Extended Leadership Experiences 2021
With there still being uncertainty about the safety of in-person gatherings, we have decided to postpone our in-person MidWest Leadership School, scheduled for July 2021, until 2022. The safety of our students and presenters is paramount, and we cannot guess well enough whether it will be safe come July. As you probably know, the UUA has shifted the General Assembly in June 2021 to an all-virtual event, so we are following suit—it doesn’t seem that two weeks later the situation will be any more guaranteed.
But the leadership needs of our congregations continue. To accommodate the loss of the in-person school this summer, we’re doing two things:
- Holding a second session of this fall’s successful Extended Leadership Experience during this spring (dates below)
- Planning for a follow-up ELE 2.0 for fall of 2021 to explore other leadership topics.
This fall’s Extended Leadership Experience was a big success—sold out in two and a half weeks, with a 90+% attendance rate. The evaluations say that those who attended said that the content was relevant to their congregation and leadership in their congregations.
We will hold a second session of the Extended Leadership Experience this spring. Classes will be held on Saturday mornings: March 6, March 27, April 17, and May 8, from 9:00 – 12:30 Central time, 10:00 – 1:30 Eastern time. We will cover identity, mission/vision, systems, and conflict, along with four incredible history presentations by the Rev. Connie Simon.
Registration will open in late January, early February, and the cost will be $150, with a reduction to $75 for Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Trans, Non-Binary, and Young Adults. You will need to provide a reference from your congregation.
Then this coming fall, 2021, we will hold Extended Leadership Experience 2.0 to build upon this year’s topics and discuss more complex leadership skills. We are still working on the details of that course, yet we know that attendance at either the Fall 2020 or Spring 2021 Extended Leadership Experience will be a prerequisite for ELE 2.0.
We look forward to seeing you at this Spring’s ELE and next Fall’s ELE 2.0, and, once again in person (we hope!) in the summer of 2022.
For more information, feel free to reach out to Lisa Presley, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
What is MWLS?
What is MidWest Leadership School (MWLS)?
Part of the Unitarian Universalist Association’s nationwide network of leadership schools, MidWest Leadership School is a week-long intensive program in leadership and group dynamics. Through workshops, discussions, and intimate small groups led by lay and ordained staff with a deep understanding of UU congregations, MWLS:
- develops both youth and adults into congregational leaders
- provides leadership tools and skills
- deepens Unitarian Universalist identity
- provides personal theological exploration and growth
- offers exposure to worship service preparation
In exchange for wholehearted commitment to a strenuous schedule, MWLS offers a life-changing and congregation-nourishing opportunity.
What is Youth MWLS?
Midwest Leadership School is a weeklong intensive experience designed to engage participants in all aspects of leadership in a Unitarian Universalist faith community. Since 2009, we are pleased to offer Midwest Leadership School for Youth (ages 14-18) in tandem with our Adult School. It will challenge and train Unitarian Universalist youth in three areas:
- Leadership Skills Development
- Worship
- Religious Values & Heritage
FlameKeepers Donation
Would you like to contribute to the FlameKeepers Fund for scholarships? This Fund is set aside to assist those who wish to attend MidWest Leadership School.
Thank you for your generosity!
Be sure to indicate the Fund you want to contribute to. Please also indicate your Congregation's Full Name and State in the Comments field below. (e.g. Second Unitarian Church of Chicago, IL)
Youth MWLS 2019
This summer I had not dreamed that I would be spending one of the best weeks of my life in Decorah, Iowa with other UU’s who cared for me and what I stand for. But in fact, that is what happened, and I can’t thank everyone who made it happen enough. That week was filled with beautiful memories that flowed into friendships, discussions that reminded me of what I hold dear and leadership skills that left me fired up and excited to do more. This summer was not one to forget.
